"..." Normal chat.

ABC. Thought.


Chapter 22


There's a thorn in my heart. It was the reason for these uneasy feelings, ugly thoughts that I had recently. And by feeding on my desperation and jealousy, it kept on growing days after days.

I did my best to get rid of this thorn alone. Instead of succumbing to bitterness and jealousy. I decided keep on loving him and being by his side. Hoping that someday he would realize my feelings and freed me from this painful thorn.

The longer I stayed being ignorant and free of doubts, the sooner that thorn would dried off and died since there's no longer negative thoughts to feed on.

It would, right?


"Why do I have to act close to her? Isn't that your job to begin with?"

"Another dead weight to the team."

"I don't trust her one bit."

It started quite roughly for you and him. And I tried my best to not let you feeling down when living alone in Konoha. Despite the misunderstandings we had for each other from the start, you acknowledge my effort and appreciated it greatly. Soon we became friends.

"I will go get her. You stay here and finish the rest."

After going through hardship together from your first D-rank mission, your and his point of view toward each other was starting to change positively. And I was happy that we were be able to set things out fast and act like a team again.

"Don't get too carried away, I simply follow to find out what more of these things can possibly do."

Despite acting the most calm out of the team, I had a feeling that he wanted to save you as much as Naruto did.

I was shocked that he was the first person to know about your strange power. And that you both had been hiding about it from us all. For who knew how long if it wasn't for that incident at the forest.

"But why? Aren't we suppose to be a team?!"

You couldn't answer my question.

"It was a secret. A life-threatening one."

So he said it in your stead. And just like that, our conversation ended.

During our Chuunin exam, you was mentioned in our chats from time to time. Of how would our team turn out if the three of us became Chuunin after this while you wasn't. Whether you would be left behind, perhaps going to appointed into another Genin team due to different in rank.

It's obvious that Naruto hated for that to happen. And by the look on his face, he didn't seem to like the idea either.

Despite not wanting you to be sent away. Naruto didn't want to put any pressure on you to be a Chuunin, since he had promised from the start to support whatever choice you made.

On the other hand, he doubted that any of us would be able to convince you since you're too stubborn to listen.

"I will encourage her. Nina-chan definitely won't turn us down when we're being too sincere."

...Or so I said. It was the only and easiest way for us to maintain our four-member team. By persuading you to join the next Chuunin exam. If you agreed and even passed it then we would never be separated.

Then I noticed that he looked somewhat relax after hearing my suggestion.

Was I doing the right thing?

Would it really matter? I had already known that you would refuse our request. Insisting to remain as a Genin since you was weak and afraid of battles.

Exactly like how you had told me back then, right? Nina-chan?

About the chance that you would be appointed to another team. Would he be sad? Maybe a little. Though I was certain that he would soon forget and move on.

After Chuunin exam was over, thinking that he and I could have spent a day together to enjoy our little peace after countless stressful days we'd been through. I started searching, and finally found him coming out of a sweet shop carrying a box in his hand.

I had never seen him buying sweet for himself before. So what's the change of heart?

"It couldn't be for her, could it?"

Before I knew, I was already standing before him and blurted out my deepest doubt. Heart beating so fast that both of my ears began to feel fuzzy out of nervousness.

However he looked confused, his head slightly cocked to one side.

"What did you say?"

Turned out those words came out of my lips were so weak that they only sounded like a whisper.

"I..."

Despite not doing anything, I was still out of breath. No right words came out of my throat like how I wanted it to. While he was waiting patiently for me to finish my sentence. Holding my hands up against my chest to hold back the pain. I prayed that none of this was real.

"...It's nothing."

In the end why couldn't I say anything? Was it because I was afraid to hear his answer?

"Ah, Sakura."

As if destined, we bumped into each other on way our home. After exchanging a couple words of greeting you held out a box of sweet to me, asking to join you for a cup of tea at your house. And my heart skipped a beat once realized that it was the same box which Sasuke was carrying with him from earlier.

You didn't mention that it was from him, and you thought that there was no way I would have known since I wasn't around when he gave it to you.

Just what was her purpose? Did she go look for me just to boast about the sweet he gifted her? Or was she trying to mock me because I was not the one to receive his gift?

Jealousy easily won over me and I could no longer hide that ugly expression on my face. As I was about open my mouth and lash every mean word at you, another thought suddenly came into my mind.

What if you didn't realize what you was doing was hurtful?

My eyes widened in shock. If that was true then it would be even more messed up. And I would only end up hating you even more.

"Later."

I bit my lips hard to hold back the urge to yell at your face and walked off, you looked confused then called out my name. Ignoring everything, I held my breath and dashed away. Till no longer hearing your voice by my ears and collapsed on my knees.

The more seeing him opening up his heart to you, willingly and naturally. The bigger and nastier that thorn grew. To the point that it's too painful for me to subside it.

Why does it have to be her? A complete stranger that you've meet no more than three months.

He hates seeing you and Naruto being happy together, how you both fit in like a perfect picture. And the fact that you cared for Naruto more than him.

You are be the only one in my heart. My everything. What do I have do to make you look at me?

Saying what you had was a bond called friendship. But it wasn't that simple.

What does she have that I don't?

I tried not to hate you for being ignorant, but it looked like I couldn't last any longer.

"Why won't you say anything to me? Why are you always keeping quiet?"

Was it because he hate me for saying stupid things from the past? Or simply because I was not you?

"I love you with all my heart! I would do anything for you. So please, stay with me!"

I wasn't afraid of getting rejected, as long as he would change his mind and stayed by my side.

"You really are annoying."

Still, he ignored my plead and disappeared out of my sight. Gone out of my reach.

"Sasuke-kun... Please bring Sasuke-kun back! I beg of you!"

I couldn't care less if he chose you, as long as you used that advantage and brought him back to me. Surely he would agree to go with you, right? If you're being sincere enough. Because finally you showed that you actually cared for him.

"If it's you, I'm sure that Sasuke-kun will listen!"

As long as he returned safely, I would happily to accept whatever you threw at me. Pain, pity, heartbreaking or not I would take it all. So please, Nina-chan...


"I'm sorry but that's impossible."

It's too risky and will definitely affect this story progress, something that I will never allow to happen.

"Why?! Do you even care about him at all?!"

Not accepting my rejection, she shouts and starts crying even harder. No longer able to hear what I am trying to say over her sobs and unintelligible words. Soon I have no choice but to shout back for her to listen.

"Can't you see, Sakura?! This is too dangerous! I may die if I go!"

Sakura's eyes wide open in shock and goes silent for a second. Figure that I've gained her attention, I speak softly again so that only two of us can hear.

"Even if I die, nothing will change."

Only then Sakura agrees to drop the topic and runs off into the village.

"Sakura-san!"

Lee's left speechless by the turn of event and tries to follow her. But doesn't have enough strength to. As I assure him that I will go check on her and Lee nods, looking somewhat sad.

On the other hand, seems to be satisfied by my practical answer, Shikamaru sighs in relief and continues walking away with the others. While Naruto's also concerned about his friends however, there is no time left for them to waste so he has to move along.

After searching around for a while, I find Sakura standing alone on a small bridge near the entrance. Despite hearing my calls, she keeps staring at the water below. Hasn't stopped crying.

"Are you alright?"

Standing next to her, I ask and Sakura shakes her head yet remains silent. Trying to hold back her tears but fails miserably. She's still trembling, red eyes and messy hair, bruises on her knees and palms. Perhaps due to a fall when running away.

Patting Sakura on her shoulder, I try to cheer her up. "I'm sure everything will be fine."

Later The Recovery Team returns. Having Neji suffering from severe injuries, Choji was left near-death from his use of Three Colored Pills. Kiba and Akamaru were also injured, but not life-threatening.

Kakashi's back along with them but doesn't say anything much and soon disappears by himself. Probably off to Obito's grave again to reflect on his past and regrets.

Then Ino comes to inform us in a hurry. And without knowing what has happened, of course Sakura's excited.

"Come on, let's go to the hospital!"

Sakura says to us and dashes toward to the hospital. Once reaching to Naruto's room and about to turn the doorknob. She overhears Naruto's conversation about their result and freezes on her spot, that smile also quickly faded away.

Soon Tsunade leads us inside to greet them, and the moment seeing Sakura. Naruto apologizes to her. Then Sakura promises that they will find Sasuke together before leaving.

Everything happens like how it should be, however, there's something bothering me from the moment walking into the room.

Naruto's been averting my eyes and barely speaks to me.

Thinking that perhaps he's still tired and confused after the big fight with his best friend. I decide to leave him alone for some rest and maybe things will turn back to normal eventually.

Or so I thought...

"Naruto, you have been avoiding me for a while now. What's going on?"

He looks away, again. What the hell?

This isn't like him at all. Usually Naruto will just blurt everything out after a couple of nagging or so. Yet it's been days already and he hasn't cracked a single word.

"It's nothing."

"You are overthinking it."

These are always his to-go answers whenever I attempt to bring this matter up. And Naruto will try to change as many topic as he can before drifting away.

"Fine, maybe I am."

Tired of having to deal with his excuses one after another. I admit that it's my fault and let thing slide. Even right now, when he's about to leave the village for two years and a half for training, Naruto's still acting stubborn and hiding stuff from me.

"Just promise me that you will stay safe, okay?"

"Alright. Take care."

We say our last goodbye and he turns around, leaving the village with Jiraiya. While I turn back into the village and begin my search for our teacher, Kakashi. Because after today, or tomorrow. He's going to leave the village for his mission for god knows when he will returns.

But why do I have to look for him? Well, for the past few weeks my progress of hitting every library within the village just to translate those Ninpo scrolls is zero. Mostly because it's too tough for a child like me, who doesn't have much experience in everything. Bonus with the fact that I'm not even that smart...

Anyways I am desperate for a guidance and If I don't find him quickly. It's going to be over for me. After a while I notice my target's hanging around near a tree in the park by himself. Enjoying his favorite book peacefully while lying under the shade.

"Kakashi-sensei!"

I take a seat next to him and start talking non-stop. Despite unwillingly to cooperate expression is spreading all over his face, I'm certain that he still listens carefully.

Once I'm done speaking, Kakashi sighs.

"You do realize that I'm very busy, right?"

Hearing so I gulp, trying to reason with him.

"Well... There aren't many high leveled shinobi in Konoha that I'm close to except for my one and only supervisor. So..."

I promise him to not become a bother as I'm capable of self-study. As long as he deciphers those Ninpo scrolls for me. I will try to make it work, somehow.

"You don't have to watch me all the time, just come by to check whenever you're free. I won't run away and cause any trouble anymore. I swear!"

That desperate speech eventually earns me a reluctant nod. Finally!

"So, when are we going to start?"

"Now." Kakashi closes his book and stands up, much to my surprise. Wait, what? Really?

So now here we are, standing in the middle of a vacant spot near a forest, which is not too far away from Konoha (it takes hours to get here by foot) but nowhere close to civilization. Despite being urged around by Kakashi to pack things up quickly and get moving right away, it's almost sunset when we arrive to our destination.

There's a stream nearby and plenty of food around. So I take that I'm going to stay here for the night, and probably for a good while too.

"Here are the scrolls that I've told you about."

I put my backpack down and take out three scrolls from inside, handing them to him. Not wasting time, Kakashi removes the seals on green scroll and takes a quick scan at what's written in it before turning to me.

"Let's start with physical training first."

Kakashi states. and I'm dumbfounded. "Eh? why?"

"These things takes time. Therefore instead of laying around waiting, you should start finding a way to work around with what's available in you at the moment."

From what I can understand, what's available in me right now that needed some work with would be that risky power that I've been trying to hide.

Does that mean he wants me to try improving its usage?

By doing so also means that Kakashi will have more chances to observe clearly how it functions. Perhaps even understand it better than I do and ends up using that power against me.

Which is definitely not good for my life. But it's not like I have a choice here.

"Right. Let's do this."

I closely follow his instructions and start my training immediately.

The most notable flaw I can think of is that because my body is too weak to restraint it for long. Therefore physical training should be sufficient for the first step, not to mention that it's the easiest training for me since it doesn't require much brain power.

"So..."

After a while he speaks up, yet not finishing his sentence or aiming it toward to anyone. Confused, I repeat after him childishly and he frowns, more like in usual annoyance than angry. Though he doesn't answer right away and actually waits for me to slowly figure it out.

Let's see, what kind of thing do I have that Kakashi desire so much? is it Intel?

Of course! Kakashi wouldn't just agree to help me out of the blue like that. I was so absorbed with getting stronger that completely forgot about this stuff.

"Fair trade. Fine. What do you want to hear?"

I stop whatever I am doing and grab a towel to wipe the sweat off my face, approaching his spot and wait for him to think of right a question to ask.

"The invasion. Gaara's power and Sandaime's sacrifice. You knew it all beforehand, didn't you?"

And I nod, no point in hiding that now. Kakashi frowns again then closes his eye. Seems to be in deep thought before speaking up again. This time his voice sounds a bit broken, as if he doesn't want to believe in what he's about to say himself.

"You... possess knowledge of the future, don't you?"


"I missed this place, it hasn't changed one bit!"

Standing on top of a pole, Naruto says proudly as he watches the scenery before his eyes. Once hearing Sakura and the Konohamaru's team are calling for him from below, he jumps down to greet them. Though their first impression toward each other after so long aren't going smoothly as they have expected it to be.

"Hey, Sakura-chan. Where is Nina-chan?"

After being beaten near-death for his childish prank, Naruto asks of her and Sakura drops him to the ground.

"I... don't know."

Sakura averts her eyes. Acting somewhat awkward. "To be honest I haven't seen or heard of her much ever since she left the village for her training."

"Really?! For training?! With who?"

Naruto gasps out loud once knowing Nina's left Konoha almost right after him, and the one to tutor her for these years is actually their one of a kind teacher, Kakashi.

"Uh huh. I was surprised at first too."

According to Sakura, Nina returned the village from time to time, mostly to restock the items that she needed and left the moment after that. It was definitely not an easy task to track her down since the time she picked to go home was random.

Sakura tried to follow her whenever she could, yet always losing sight of her as soon as she reached to the forest. In the end no one knew exactly where Nina went and what kind of thing she was training for.

"Then how do you know all of this, Sakura-chan?"

"Well you could say that it was luck."

Thanks for that one time she caught Nina walking out of her house in one early morning, when she's on her way home from Tsunade over night training. Then they had a chat at the river bank nearby, mostly because Sakura insisted them to, but she didn't remain long.

"Still, Nina-chan didn't reveal much about what she was doing either. All I knew was that the training was quite tough and she needed more time to prepare than she's suppose to."

And that was the last time she saw Nina, months before of her and Naruto reunion. It's way worse with Kakashi, since he was too busy with both work and training Nina at the same time to be even at home for her to find him.

"Seriously, these two and their ridiculous secrecy."

Though there was one thing for sure that Nina didn't participate in the last Chuunin exam. No one knew whether she didn't want to or simply forgot about it like Naruto did.

"Anyways, Naruto. Let's go to Godaime's office. I'm sure she's waiting for you there."