Author's Note: Hey guys! First of all I want to talk about the cover picture that you undoubtedly have noticed is different. The credit goes to R8886 for their creation of the cover. I am planning on creating one myself, but because of life being busy and my annoying sudden OCD moments, it'll take me awhile before I'm done with it. For the mean time I decided to use theirs because they worked hard on it and I appreciate the time they took. I'm more than glad to proudly display any Fan Art sent to me if you want me to use it until I finish with my own. Like you have noticed, it doesn't have to match my story in every detail. I'll be working hard to present to you guys my mental image of how Sakura looks in the cover I'll be creating.
Anyways, on with the chapter!
Okay,
Talking "Yo!"
Thoughts 'Yo!'
Inner/Demons "Yo!"
~Sakura's ability Information~
'Peoples thoughts'
"Communicating telepathically"
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto just my OC's and plot.
Ninja Clash In The Land Of Snow 2
Sakura's POV
I had to admit, Inner was right. All her whining and complaints about the cold weren't so far-fetched as I thought. The chakra I placed on my feet served its purpose well by letting me stay above water. However, it didn't particularly keep away the water that splashed up towards me from the ragging waves. In order to keep Koyuki, who slept in my arms dry, I had to take the hit of all the cold water.
Because of the waves' jagged motions, the ship had been carried off a long way from the iceberg. I suppose it was a good thing, since they were further away from the fighting, but it wasn't so good when we had to run all the way towards it.
I looked behind me when I felt someone approach from behind. Seeing Kakashi and Zabuza running further behind us gave me reassurance and the encouragement to run faster without holding back. If they had continued to be attacked by the three rogues, some of us would need to go back and help them. Seeing as that was not the problem here, I quickened my speed to get Koyuki into a warm place. I didn't need her catching hypothermia.
~*oOo*~
Finally, after three minutes of non-stop running through the crazy ocean water, we made it to the ship. We wasted no time chakra walking up the side of the ship, and I immediately moved to take Koyuki into her room. Firstly, I checked for any basic symptoms of Hypothermia. When she showed no basic sign's I checked her airway, breathing, and circulation since she was unconscious she might display them differently.
After making sure she was fine and would be fine, I left her side and moved to the others. With one glance I could tell Zabuza, Kakashi, Haku and Naruto were fine. The first three because of their experience with this environment and Naruto because of the Kyūbi within him. I knew from several observations and the knowledge that I possessed, that the beast wouldn't let his vessel die or else he would.
Sasuke was my top priority, which I didn't much worry about. He just had that thing about him were he could handle any situation. It certainly wasn't the case this time apparently. He showed a few symptoms of the first stage of Hypothermia, which consisted of shivering, cold skin, and his lips had begun to pale. It wasn't anything serious yet, but I still made sure he got the treatment and was completely fine before I left him.
Once done with them, I made it my point to check the staff and ship crew for any symptoms. This was a harsh and difficult environment for people who weren't used to. I didn't need anyone falling ill on my watch.
~*oOo*~
"Are you finished with your rounds?" Kakashi asked as I stepped inside the room they all occupied. I nodded and rubbed my neck in exhaustion. There had been a few who were developing Hypothermia like with Sasuke's case, but I tended to them all until I was satisfied. It took longer than I thought, but it wasn't anything extreme.
"Yeah, they're all fine now." I replied as I sat on the chair closest to me beside Sasuke.
"Sakura-chan! Did you know Yukie was a real Princess?! Kakashi-sensei and Sandayū just told us!" Naruto asked from his seat on the other side of Sasuke. I smiled and nodded, amused when his face scrunched up in confusion.
"How do you know? We were just told." Sasuke stated with a raised brow. I dismissed his question away with a wave of my hand.
"My father told me about Yukigakure's former Daimyō that he had known. He said he had a daughter named Koyuki. After hearing those rogues call her so, I put two and two together." Is all I said with a taunting smirk towards Sasuke. It was fun teasing the poor boy. Nothing had stopped me when we were little so what's stopping me now?
With a glare at the table, he grunted in annoyance and I chuckled at his predictability.
'It's hard to imagine him changing into such a cold person in the future.' I thought with a scrutinizing stare at his face. My attention went to Naruto who leaned back in his chair.
"Of course you would know Sakura-chan! You're so awesome!" Naruto exclaimed with a nod of his head. I chuckled and shook my head at his childish comment. I would need to do something so he would stop seeing me with so much admiration. He, himself will amount to greatness.
"I'm so sorry! I knew she was a princess, but there was no other way I could think of to bring her back!" Sandayū exclaimed. He kept his gaze down the entire time he told us about Dotō Kazahana.
"The day that I discovered that our beloved princess was still alive, I was so relieved!" Sandayū cried out. I hummed quietly to myself as I flickered my gaze over to the door to my left.
"I should have died back then." Koyuki stated as she leaned on the door frame.
"Don't say such things Princess! We were all so worried about you and didn't stop praying for your safety." Sandayū stated as he stood from his chair, his whole attention on her now. Silently pleading that she understand him and his actions.
"I'm alive, but my hearts dead. After that day, any tears I had left all dried up." She said with a stoic expression. I sighed and shook my head.
'We'll just see if they're 'all dried up'.' I thought as I looked back to her.
"What a liar! She end's up crying at the end!" Inner shouted in disbelief.
'I know, and it's because of Naruto who helps open her up. If it weren't for him defeating Dotō-' I stopped my sentence in shock at the sudden revelation. I stood up in surprise at the loud bang. Blinking and shaking my head away from my own thoughts, I looked around at the silent room. Seeing the funny looks I was receiving for my sudden action—even from Naruto—made me slowly sit back down. With a clearing of my throat, I turned towards Sandayū and Koyuki calmly. Looking at them, I now only realized Sandayū was kneeling.
"...Anyways, as I was going to say. How can you just say that?! Can't you see this man has given up his entire life for the realization of this dream? Quit being so heartless!" Naruto exclaimed.
'Ah, so we missed her rejection.' I thought with a nod. Finally understanding what was going on.
"I don't really care about that, but what were you so shocked about? You stopped mid-sentence and left me clueless." Inner stated. I frowned and took a quick glance at Naruto's angry scowl.
'I'll tell you later.' I said as I looked back towards the director. He had started sprouting nonsense about how he liked the idea surround Koyuki. Seemingly unaware of the danger, only thinking about his movie. I knew however, that he was quiet perceptive of the situation.
"This guy sure is dedicated to his work." Inner stated with a comical sweat drop.
"Running away is no longer an option. We have to fight them. It's our only chance of getting through this. " Kakashi said with a pointed stare in my direction, to which I just nodded.
"Okay! Time to continue this mission! The princess returns to the Land of Snow!" Naruto exclaimed with an eager smile that was always present during missions.
"Stop joking around! The movies aren't like real life...There's no such thing as a happy ending in this world!" Koyuki stated. The sheer volume was pretty loud, especially with my proximity.
"Of course there is if you're willing to fight for it!" The director countered. The room became dead silent after his exclamation.
"Oooh he told her! It's about time someone told her what's up!" Inner stated with a chuckle. I held back a roll of the eyes in favor of seeing Koyuki. Her expression was that of disbelief and with a grunt she turned and left the room.
I hummed as the silence was starting to get a bit uncomfortable and was glad the director soon followed.
"Alright, we'll continue with this idea." He said and his assistant nodded his head vigorously.
"And you can bet this will have a happy ending!" He stated.
"Alright! That's the spirit I'm talking about!" Naruto exclaimed. I smiled and leaned back on my chair, balancing on it's two back legs. I closed my eyes in thought as Naruto and the assistant began to ramble.
'We'll have to think up a good and quick plan.' I thought with a frown.
"We should be getting close to land. When we get off, we'll be going in cars to a cave where we'll shoot the next scene. For the mean time, you guys can take it easy for tonight. Tomorrow morning we should land." The director explained. I sighed and opened my eyes.
'I'll take this time to get things straightened out.' I thought as I set the chair back down and stood up. I pointedly looked at Kakashi. With a nod, he turned over to the others.
"You heard the man, go and take it easy. You won't be getting another time to rest for a long while." Kakashi said.
"Sakura-chan, want to go explore the ship with me?!" Naruto asked and I smiled apologetically at him.
"Not right now. I want to go and make one final round to make sure I didn't miss anyone. Maybe later after I'm done okay?" I said. Naruto pouted but nodded with a defeated sigh.
"Okay Sakura-chan, just because your super nice. I guess I'll just go with Haku and Teme." He said as Sasuke stood from his chair and began walking out.
"Hey Teme! Wait for us! Come on Haku, let's go!" Naruto called out. I smiled and turned towards Haku in hopes of seeing his cheerful self again. I raised an eyebrow as he nodded calmly with a smile towards Naruto. He walked around the table and I followed him with my gaze. Not once did he look at me, or smile, or anything! Turning my attention away from Haku's retreating form, I noticed the silent questioning looks from both Kakashi and Zabuza. I shook my head not being able to answer them and started to walk out.
'I know now for sure that I'm not just over thinking things. There's something troubling Haku.' I thought while I stared down to the floor. Shaking my head from such confusing probabilities, I looked ahead and headed to a secluded area where we could talk.
~*oOo*~
'I've always wanted to ride a ship like this.' I thought as the chilly wind blew across my face. I decided the best place to talk, was where no one could really get to, in this case being the mast. I sat peacefully on the mast's yard, watching the sails propelling the ship onwards with the wind as its assistant. Inner as well enjoyed the scene as she sat beside me in her Shadow Clone. At her silence, I continued on with my reminiscing as I took in the moon farther away.
'We don't really have these kinds of ships in my other world any more. Big cargo ships are what are used most of the time, though I'm sure there's got to be some, somewhere. This is just like a real pirate ship, and I never thought I'd be riding on one. Especially not on its spar which holds up the sails.' I thought taking in a deep breath of fresh air at the same time as Inner. We laughed at the random simultaneous acts that seemed to happen more often.
With a poof from Inner's clone, I knew without asking for a reason that the other's were coming. Her sensing ability was truly unbelievable. However, it's not as great of an ability as we used to think, what with her never being able to 'turn it off' when she outside. I knew it put a lot of pressure on her, even if she didn't say it.
"Enjoying the night Sakura? I guess if you're not worried, then that means this mission won't be that bad." Kakashi said to my right. He leaned on the mast with his arms crossed. He too looked out into the dark, freezing water.
"You act like you've never been on a ship before." Zabuza said from my left. He sat further away on the yardarm. Right hand propping him up while his left was rested on top of his left leg which was on the spar. He lazily dangled his right leg off the spar, unaffected that his leg was on the sail. But I guess I wasn't any better. Both of my legs dangled down and set on top of the sail.
'In a way he is right. This is my first time on a ship like this one. All the others have been without the masts, sails, or even a bowsprit.'
"Can I not simply enjoy myself in such a rare moment of peace?" I asked with a raised brow. He looked at me with the corner of his eyes.
"What are you talking about 'rare moment of peace'? Don't you always have that?" Zabuza grumpily asked. I rolled my eyes and pointed at him.
"No, not since you're always around me." I taunted and watched him glared at me even in this lighting.
"Whatever brat." He mumbled. I smiled at his attitude and turned over to Kakashi who had his unforgettable closed-eye smile.
"Getting down to serious business, what was it that you saw in the room?" Kakashi asked with a raised brow. I shook my head and looked out into the ocean.
"That wasn't specifically about the past more like the future. I just realized something that could pertain to the success or failure of it." I said. I sighed and lifted my feet to sit cross-legged on the spar.
"What did you see?" Zabuza asked.
"Um, before answering that, you two wouldn't happen to know what Naruto learned under Jiraiya-sama, would you?" I asked, and waited for a positive response.
"No. Why? Do you need to know what he was taught?" Kakashi asked after he shared a look with Zabuza.
"Yeah, Don't worry about it though, I'll ask him myself. If I find out he hasn't learned a certain technique, then I'll have to plan around that." I said with a sigh.
"So that's what had you so shocked earlier. You're wondering if he's started his Rasengan training aren't you?" Inner asked. I smiled at how quickly she got it.
'Yeah, in the movie he uses it to defeat Dotō. However, he only started learning that during his journey to find Tsunade. That has yet to happen, so I can only hope Jiraya saw something in him to teach him earlier.' I thought as I started to take off my gloves.
"I hope he has, or else we'll have to improvise on a way to defeat that man." Inner said. I agreed to her statement. When I speak to Naruto, I hope he calms down all our worries.
"Anyways, for the mean time, you two can see what I've seen." I said and reached out my hands for them to take.
"What about Haku?" Zabuza asked as he stood and approached me. I frowned and sighed at his question.
"Is there something going on between you two? The atmosphere between you two isn't like usual." Kakashi said as he crouched down beside me and took my hand.
"I have an idea as to why he's acting that way. I'll deal with him last, just because I need more time to think of other possibilities." I said and began to show them once Zabuza took my left hand in his.
~*oOo*~
'If I was Naruto, what would I be doing right now?' I thought as I looked down to the deck of the ship. People where still outside surprisingly. They scurried around the deck, leaving and taking many things.
"He did say he wanted to explore the ship right?" Inner asked. I nodded and turned over to look behind me. Kakashi and Zabuza had left moments ago after seeing my 'visions'. My guess is that they went to plan incase Naruto really hadn't started learning the Rasengan.
'I'm too mentally tired to search for his chakra, so I'll just wander around.' I thought as I jumped down to the shrouds of the boat. I let go as soon as I was close enough to the floor to drop myself.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto's cheerful shout was heard across the deck.
'That was quick.' I thought and smiled at Naruto.
"What is it Naruto?" I asked once he was close enough.
"Did you just come down from up there?! No, wait, that's not what I was going to ask. Have you seen Duck-butt or Haku anywhere?" He asked a little winded from his search. I raised an eyebrow and then chuckled at his nickname for Sasuke. Inner on the other hand just "Hmphed" and denied the whole thing as a name for her Sasuke-kun.
"No Naruto, I haven't seen Haku or Sasuke." I said with a laugh. I refrained from speaking the name or else I would be glared at by Sasuke or Inner for taking sides. As the neutral mediator of the team, it was hard when both sides wanted you to be on their side. However, sometimes there were exceptions.
"And Naruto, as much as it totally fits, I would refrain from using that nickname in front of him." I said and received a laugh and nod from Naruto and a shout from Inner.
"Come on, I'll help you look." I said and started walking. Naruto quickly caught up and walked in sync with me.
As we searched the whole ship for them in our own calm pace, we talked. Naruto did most of it, as he told me what they had been up to for the past hour. Seems like Naruto was pestering the staff for stories about their many filming trips.
"Ne Naruto, are you ready to fight those rogue ninja?" I asked, trying to take the chance to ask him when he finished talking.
"I'm more than ready Sakura-chan! Dattebayo!" He exclaimed with a followed fist pump. I smiled at the familiar word I had rarely heard anymore. It was kind of shocking, but then again, he had just returned from his month long training trip.
I believe you Naruto. After all you trained under the legendary Sanin." I said, trying to steer the conversation over to him.
"Oh no, Pervy-sage is not as amazing as you might think Sakura-chan. In fact, don't ever meet him, he's a pervert! I would have learned a lot more if he would have stopped his 'researching'!" Naruto exclaimed in frustration.
"I'll believe you on him being a pervert what with the books he writes, however in his own right he is quite amazing. You should try to understand him a bit more and I'm sure you'll respect him a bit more." I said and looked at his pouting face.
"Gosh Sakura-chan! Why do you have to be so nice?! I can't even say anything about that mega-pervert anymore because of the way you put it!" He said and I chuckled and patted his head.
"Well, he taught you how to summon frog's right? Surely he taught you something else or is going to teach you something else." I said and bowed slightly at the staff passing beside us with a friendly goodnight.
"Well, yeah, but he hardly teaches! He tells me what to do and leaves me to it by myself! What kind of sensei does that?!" He asked with his hands in the air in disbelief.
"A sensei who believe their student can accomplish the task. Shishou does the same with me, unless I'm completely stuck on something." I said with a memory of the first lessons on learning Fūinjutsu.
"Yeah but Jiji's just that good! And you're amazing Sakura-chan!" He said with a small blush and a wide grin. Oh boy, hopefully that's a blush produced from the immense admiration and awe he holds for me.
"Thank you Naruto, but you are equally as amazing. I have a question though, why didn't you use any jutsu you've learned from Jiraiya against Neji?" I asked trying to figure out if he did or didn't start on the Rasengan training.
"I wanted to fight Neji with my own strength. I got the courage from watching Hinata-chan fight him." He said with a small smile. I smiled over at him with pride.
"And...the other jutsu I'm learning...well, I haven't really mastered it. Summoning the frogs was hard enough." He said which I raised an eyebrow towards.
"You mean, you did learn something else?" I asked with hope. He scratched his head sheepishly.
"Yeah, after summoning the frogs, Pervy-sage made me learn a super amazing jutsu!...But I've only ever got it done once...and the size was a bit..." He stopped his sentence from embarrassment. Though I have no idea why he should be.
"Naruto, even though you might not have completed the new jutsu, that's still quiet impressive." I said and stopped to give him an encouraging smile.
"Eh? Really?!" He asked in confusion. I nodded and ruffled his blonde hair.
"Of course it's amazing. You not only completed your practice with summoning frogs, but you started on a new jutsu." I said and watched his blush return. Must be his shyness.
"Nah, you and Teme could of done better." He mumbled as his gaze lowered to the floor.
"No Naruto, we both learned one jutsu while we enhanced our chakra or senses. You learned two amazing jutsu's, and I'm sure the only problem you have with this new jutsu is your chakra control. You've always had a bit of a problem with that. Here's a tip, instead of focusing all of your concentration by yourself on this new technique, how about you get some help?" I said and watched his eyebrow shoot up in confusion.
"Help?...But another person can't help me with this technique." Naruto stated. I smiled and shook my head.
"Not another person per say, more like another you. There are some techniques I alone can't accomplish either, but when I divided the concentration to a clone, it helps tremendously." I said, remembering the techniques that Inner has helped me with.
"Oh! I get it!" He exclaimed and then tilted his head in thought as he pondered on something. I waited patiently for him to think thing's through and flinched when he suddenly embraced me without explanation.
"I've got an awesome idea! Thanks Sakura-chan! You're a genius!" He exclaimed and ran off.
"Wait! Where are you going? What about Sasuke and Haku?" I called out as he ran the hall. He looked at me from over his shoulder.
"I wanna test something out! You don't have to search for them any more Sakura-chan!" He shouted and ran the corner. I sighed and closed my eyes. Might as well find Haku.
'It's about time I confront him anyways.' I thought solemnly.
~*oOo*~
I walked silently towards the bowsprit of the ship, crossing the empty deck. The emptiness wasn't a problem, in fact it helped with the upcoming moment. It was too late into the night for most of the staff members to be awake. Possibly a few who got temporary insomnia, such as the case could be with Koyuki and Sandayū from all the stress.
Stopping a few feet away from him, I looked at him as he sat on a crate, looking out towards the ocean. I flickered my eyes away, and zeroed in on the lone moon far above. I closed my eyes slowly and took in the soothing sounds of the waves.
I had an inkling as to what his problem was. A couple nights ago, on the unexpected mission that we went on, had an uglier after effect than I primarily thought.
Consequently, my actions that night which could be seen as both right and wrong not only effected me, but him as well. Because it was his situation that caused my actions.
I opened my eyes to the darkness around me. The only light was provided by a few lights near the door leading inside the ship and a few others scattered around. I slowly cleared the rest of the steps needed to stand behind him.
Silently, I sat on the crate beside his and didn't bother to speak. Silence of this kind may sometimes speak louder than words. It wasn't like the insufferable, eerie silence I disliked, but the soothing kind that I could tolerate. I felt like he too wished to clear things up, considering he didn't exude any tense aura around him. I leaned into the bowsprit and set my chin on top of my crossed arms.
"It's hard to comprehend that just a few months ago, you didn't want to but would kill us for the sake of a precious person being safe." I said and took a peek over towards him. He looked straight ahead with a small frown on his face.
"It's totally marring his attractive face." Inner mumbled with a pout. I sighed and closed my eyes so they would stop twitching in annoyance.
'Inner, please shut up.' I thought and opened my eyes back to Haku. His hair caught my attention quickly. Instead of having it restricted in the bun he always had, he now styled it into a high pony-tail. The loose strands flowed in the wind. My hair most likely doing the same, since it too was in a pony-tail, much like his style.
I lifted my gaze up to his face. It was unreadable, besides the frown which I could only guess was produced from my earlier statement. I sighed and sat up straight, turning my body towards him, giving him my full attention.
"Haku, you don't have to look at me or say anything...Just listen to me." I said and turned towards the ocean in a daze as memories of that night came back.
"It was inevitable that something like that happened. In this line of profession, killing is bound to happen. We are Shinobi, ninjas that have to assassinate to protect those who are precious to us. There are people who aren't even Shinobi and yet they kill people too." I said, as I slowly took off my glove.
"As long as you have someone to protect and someone to try and hurt them, death is inevitable, to whichever side it may be." I said and looked back to him. He was looking down to his hands with a sad expression. I sent him a weary smile when he looked at me as I reached for his hand with my bare one. He pulled away slightly, which caused my advance to stop. He was certainly unsure of having hand contact because of my ability.
"It's okay. I'm fine and most importantly, you're alive and safe." I said with a squeeze of his hand after I made my decision. The eye contact that I had managed to achieve with him, ended when he avoided mine once more. I waited patiently for him to think, avoiding hearing any of his thoughts, so he could tell me himself.
"You saved me and Zabuza on that day from our deaths...You even helped me a long time before that. Even knowing all that we had done, you saw past all the horrible things and gave us a chance to redeem ourselves. I vowed to protect the life you spared and keep you safe on the day we joined you...and yet, I failed." He said. All of his sad and depreciating emotions were clearly felt from the connection of our hands.
"You didn't fail yourself or me. It was my decision to kill that man, and you getting hurt wasn't on purpose. So you have nothing to worry about. You know I wouldn't be able to get through upcoming events without killing. I have prepared myself for what's to come." I said with a reassuring smile once he looked at me.
"...Why are you so forgiving? So nice to everyone, even after all they've done?" Haku asked. I smiled and it was my turn to look away. Not for the sake of avoiding the question, but to think of how to phrase my explanation.
"Ever heard of the saying 'Forgive and Forget'? Well, I forgive, but I don't forget. I can forgive someone, as long as I know their story. I'll use you as an example. You were so young when you killed your family. I know that your mother loved you, and I also know you scared them all, because of your Kekkei Genkai." I said pausing to look back at him and to make sure he was paying attention.
"At such a tender age you were traumatized and ended up having to be by yourself. I can't imagine everything you must have gone through, done not by your choice. When Zabuza came along and took you in, it was no wonder you would cherish your savior and protect them. People are not magically born evil, they become the way they are because of their experiences so far throughout their life. I can forgive easily because I can see what made them do what they have done. And because deep down they wish for a chance...some are just harder to convince then others." I said with a knowing smile as Zabuza's image appeared in our minds. Haku smiled and nodded.
"Some people may seem to have ridiculous goals, such as Orochimaru, but even he started out the same as you and I. He had parents who must have loved him for him to be so loving of them. Once they died, it became the turning point for him and his life changed after that as more hardships came up." I said with a look towards the moon.
"Afterwards, the loneliness and suffering causes them to get so lost that they forget what their initial goal was. If they truly can't see it for themselves anymore, that they deeply wish to change, then I'm afraid that not much can be done. Unless you don't mind if I beat you up and brainwash you." I said with a serious expression that cracked as soon as I heard him chuckle.
"But, one can still be saved if one truly wished it. Of course it'll take a while and much effort to do so, but it'll be worth it in the end. Sure, your past deeds can never be rectified, but like you said Haku, they can use their spared life and live for the better. I too will never forget what I have done or will do, but I'll accept without any objection my punishment for them." I said with a supportive squeeze to his hand.
"You're strange." Haku said with a warm, familiar smile. I let out a laugh and rubbed the back of my neck. A habit I must have picked up from Naruto.
"Ah, I'm quite used to being called strange. It'd be weird if I did change." I said and smiled. My eyes momentarily widened and my head felt like it split open from Inner's squealing and Haku's forehead leaning up against mine.
After the initial shock wore off, I silently waited for him to speak or move. I understood that he had a lot to think about and must be feeling a mix of emotions. So I gave him his small moment of peace that he seemed to need.
"No. Don't change." He said calmly after a while. I looked at his serene face as he closed his eyes and just leaned on me. I smiled and closed my own eyes.
"I won't. There's too many things to keep me busy." I said and grabbed his hand with both of mine.
"I will keep all of you safe...I promise." I vowed silently.
A few seconds of comfortable silence went on until he got ready to leave. I denied his chivalrous act of kindness to walk me back to my room. Much to Inner's dismay, I declined because I wanted to stay and think. Biding each other a goodnight, he soon Shunshined off while I turned around to face the ocean. There was so much to think of and such a short amount of time. I narrowed my eyes in determination and repeated my promise with resolve.
~*oOo*~
Normal POV
A few hours of sleep later, Sakura and the others who were still asleep were awoken by the sudden loud voice over the intercom. The director's assistant had energetically informed everyone that they had officially arrived to the Land of Snow. So with a groan, Sakura sat up from her bed and set about to ready herself for the day.
After getting ready, she went to the deck where a ramp was set to let them off.
"Good morning Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted very cheerfully. Sakura stifled a yawn with her hand and waved lazily with the other. She couldn't exactly call it a great morning, but it was good enough.
"Good morning." She greeted back which she then received nods or mumbled greetings. She looked over to Haku with a smile in place. She hoped that last night's confrontation allowed him to see that it hadn't been his fault she had killed. Her smile slowly disappeared in confusion when he quickly smiled, a small blush flourishing upon his cheeks and quickly looked away.
'Now what's his problem?' She thought with a raised eyebrow at his odd behavior. After awhile, she shrugged and thought it might just be too early for them to get back to a comfortable atmosphere. Not wanting to force him into anything, she decided to just give him time and space. The fidgeting she blamed on the cold. Now in the depth of all the coldness, the air was a bit chilly to her, which Inner argued that it wasn't chilly but freezing.
"Sakura, you go with Koyuki in her car." Kakashi instructed. Sakura nodded and gave a mock solute.
"Roger that." She said and waved goodbye to the others. As she walked right behind Koyuki, she wondered if she could handle her without Naruto. Then she remembered that she would also have to deal with Inner's comments about her attitude every five minutes.
With a sigh that puffed up particles from the warm air exuded, she faintly wondered if she could take a nap inside.
~*oOo*~
With a jerking stop that rattled everything inside the car, Sakura realized that they must have made it to the cave.
"I'll be right back." Sakura called out as she stood from her chair across Koyuki's bed. She looked at Koyuki who stared out the window, waiting for a response. Koyuki tore her gaze away from the window and set her gaze upon Sakura. They locked eyes for a moment, almost having a communication without words.
When Sakura got response, she took it upon herself to just leave. Sakura knew, that Koyuki knew she knew she was going to run away and not stop her.
Releasing another puff of air once outside, Sakura tightened the cloak around her to keep her warm. With one glance to her right, she took notice of the humongous cave entrance that the cars had stopped in front of.
"The next shooting location is just beyond this cave." Sandayū informed from behind her. Sakura turned and nodded at him. Kakashi and Zabuza flanked him.
"Once the shoot is done. My people will finally be able to rest easy." He said with a relieved voice.
"Man! I really had to go!" Naruto's loud voice reached over to them. Everyone except Sandayū looked at Naruto with a blank stare, already used to his unpredictability.
"Naruto, must you really let everyone know that?" Sakura asked as he got closer. He sheepishly grinned and chuckled.
"Sorry, I really had to pee!" He responded, to which she just stared at him blankly. With a roll of her eyes Sakura sighed only to suddenly tilt her head to see behind her. She calmly smiled back at the others and turned back to the door she had came out from.
"I'm heading back. I'm going to get ready for the next stop." Sakura said and glanced at Kakashi. He nodded at her and she quickly went back inside with a quick shut of the door. She calmly took in the empty room in front of her. The window wide open, and no signs of Koyuki inside. Outside however, she could see the footprints even in her distance trailing inside the forest.
With a sigh, Sakura sat back into her chair and kept her eyes closed and Koyuki's chakra locked on.
"You're not going after her?" Inner asked as she poofed herself out of Sakura's mind. She lazily laid on Koyuki's bed and stared outside the window.
"No. The only reason is to allow Naruto the privilege to find her and knock some sense into her. I'm doing this for Naruto's growth. If she dare's to do it again, I'll personally get to her first." Sakura answered as she crossed her arms and leaned into the chair. The cars began to move and Sakura continued to keep track of Koyuki's chakra.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Aren't we getting attacked soon?" Inner asked while sitting up from the bed. She looked at Sakura patiently and watched her stand up from the chair. She looked over to Inner with a knowing smile.
"Don't worry. I came up with a plan last night while you were swooning over Haku." Sakura said with chuckle at Inner's pouting face. She soon stopped and went to sit at the foot of the bed.
"We have a bit of time before we arrive. I'll tell you my plan." Sakura said and Inner stopped defending herself and nodded in complete concentration.
Part 2 of the Naruto movie done! I hope you enjoyed and the next chapter shall be no later than Tuesday!
